Using endoscopic hemithyroidectomy in patients with benign thyroid diseases

Objective: the development and assessment of endoscopic hemithyroidectomy technique improving visualization of anatomical structures and excluding the so-called conflict of instruments in the operative field. Materials and methods. We analyzed the treatment results of 103 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy with endoscopic or traditional approaches during 2014-2018 at the S.R. Mirotvortsev Hospital of Saratov State Medical University. In terms of approach mode, patients were divided into two groups. The compression syndrome, functional autonomy of a thyroid, and results of a punch biopsy were indications to operation. Results. Unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) was diagnosed in one patient after traditional intervention, diminishing after 1.5 months; and in three patients after endoscopic hemithyroidectomy, diminishing anywhere between 7 days and 1.5 months. Signs of hypoparathyroidism were not found in any of the patient groups. There were no complications associated with the introduction of carbon dioxide. No conversion was required in any of the cases. Conclusion. Development, application and assessment of a new endoscopic hemithyroidectomy technique, which proved itself feasible, safe and provisioning highly esthetic outcome were conducted.